KUALA BESUT The aid provided by the government to fishermen and farmers is carried out continuously and not seasonally, like during elections, Deputy Agriculture and Agro-based Industries Minister Tajuddin Abdul Rahman said today.

He said the government was always concerned with the well-being of the people and efforts were made to increase their income, especially of fishermen and farmers.

"If aid is given during elections, it is just a coincidence, like my coming to Kuala Besut, it is the customs of the Malays to bring souvenirs to the host," he told reporters after opening a programme by the Veterinary Service Department Department in Kampung Baharu in Kuala Besut.

NONE At the event, Tajuddin ( left ) also handed out aid, worth RM147,750, comprising livestock and tricycles to 314 farmers in the Kuala Besut state constituency.

The Election Commission has called for a by-election for the Kuala Besut state seat following the death of assemblyman Dr A. Rahman Mokhtar of the BN of lung cancer on June 26.

He had won the seat with a 2,434 majority by beating Napisah Ismail of PAS in the general election on May 5.

Polling has been set on July 24. Kuala Besut has 17,683 voters.

- Bernama